NOC 32101: Licensed practical nurses

The employment outlook will be Very good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses continue to face very good employment prospects in P.E.I., with shortages across hospitals, long-term care, and community health centres. The province’s Licensed Practical Nursing and Paramedic Support Program, which offers full tuition support, remains a key initiative to attract new entrants and address labour gaps. Recent media reports highlight that staffing shortages have limited the ability of some long-term care facilities to operate at full capacity, especially in rural areas, increasing the need for LPNs in elder care and supportive housing. Demand is expected to remain strong as P.E.I.’s population ages, immigration grows, and government priorities expand collaborative care teams to reduce hospital strain.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 450 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 71%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 24%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 70% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 30% compared to 16% for all occupations

65% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 35% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 77% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Very good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Recent graduates from fields of study related to this occupation have found it easy to find work.

This is a large occupation and opportunities arise frequently as people change positions. Demand for health care workers has been especially strong in recent years. The work can be physically challenging, often with less than regular hours or involving shift work, which may contribute to turnover. The role of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) has broadened and includes a wider range of duties in the face of limited budgets.

Further, a new Nova Scotia Community College bridging program provides a route for continuing care assistants to upgrade their skills to practical nursing.

While hospitals employ a large number of LPNs, opportunities have become more plentiful in nursing homes and through providers of home care, as the health care system shifts toward alternative care for people with chronic illnesses and disabling conditions. Applicants should have little trouble finding work.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 3,050 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 53%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 33%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 11%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 78% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 22% compared to 18% for all occupations

76% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 6% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 94% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 75% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Increased demand for health care services associated with an ageing population will drive employment growth in this occupation over the outlook period. The shift from institutional to home care is also expected to contribute to higher demand for these workers. As governments seek to restrain health delivery costs, hospitals and other care facilities may increasingly use licensed practical nurses to deliver nursing care.

Nursing shortages have been an ongoing issue throughout the province, meaning that new graduates should have little trouble finding employment. However, opportunities may be more abundant in rural areas, particularly in francophone regions of the province. Being fluent in both official languages could increase one’s chances of finding employment in certain areas.

Individuals with a valid driver’s license and who are willing to do shift work will have enhanced job prospects.

Hospitals often recruit directly from colleges.

A criminal record check is typically required.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in New Brunswick:

Approximately 2,650 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 56%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 35%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 82% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 18% compared to 16% for all occupations

73% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 84% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Very good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Ongoing staffing shortages in health care and an ageing population will keep demand high for health professionals over the forecast period.

Staffing shortages continue to lead to periodic disruptions in health care services throughout the Northwest Territories, especially in rural areas. The Government of Northwest Territories filled 340.3 of 360 full-time equivalent vacancies in 2024-2025 (

NNSL, May 13, 2025

).

Local training is available for this occupation. Aurora College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a Licensed Practical Nurse program.

A new professional organization for Northwest Territories' and Nunavut's nurses will be created in 2026: the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses.

The College and Association of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut updated its nursing practice hour requirements in 2025. To be licensed, nurses must now have 1,125 practice hours within the past five years or 450 practice hours within the past two years.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 80%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 20%

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 56% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Very good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Ongoing staffing shortages in health care and an ageing population will keep demand high for health professionals over the forecast period.

Staffing shortages created periodic disruptions in health care services throughout Nunavut in 2025.

Housing shortages and high travel costs make the recruitment and retention of nurses in Nunavut challenging.

The Government of Nunavut aims to increase the number of Inuit nursing graduates over the forecast period, as outlined in the Roadmap to Strengthen the Nunavut Nursing Workforce (2021-2026).

Permanent and locum nursing positions were available throughout 2025 at the hospital and clinic in Iqaluit, the regional health centres in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay, as well as at community health centres.

Workers in this occupation may be eligible for recruitment bonuses and retention and other allowances in addition to their regular pay.

A new professional organization for Northwest Territories' and Nunavut's nurses will be created in 2026: the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Nurses.

The College and Association of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut updated its nursing practice hour requirements in 2025. To be licensed, nurses must now have 1,125 practice hours within the past five years or 450 practice hours within the past two years.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Nunavut:

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 80%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 20%

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 67% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Lack of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have been reported in facilities throughout the province, resulting in large workloads and forced overtime. One example of shortages has been in the lack of sufficient temporary staff needed to fill in for vacation, sick leave, and other absences by permanent employees. The provincial government has expanded its practical nursing college programs to help address shortfalls and is using a variety of incentives such as cash bonuses for recruitment and retention.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 1,750 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 75%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 19%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

80% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 80% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Hospitals

Nursing and residential care facilities

Home health care service providers and offices of physicians

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Increased need for health-related services to support the growing and aging population in Ontario

Greater demand on the health care system because of the backlog of medical procedures and patient care needs

Major investments in health care facilities

Initiatives to improve home and community-based patient care services

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Licensed practical nurses, known as registered practical nurses (RPNs) in Ontario, are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

Generally, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Ontario:

Approximately 23,600 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 49%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 34%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 13%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 76% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 24% compared to 19% for all occupations

69% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 73% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by the province's growing and aging population and provincial government spending on healthcare. There is considerable demand in mental health and community care.

The province is actively recruiting with relocation and retention incentives, as well as simplifying licensing and immigration pathways. Shortages are most acute in rural and remote locations.

Key trends include telehealth and virtual care for rural or underserved areas, artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze patient data, wearable devises, and smart room technology for continuous patient monitoring.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Manitoba:

Approximately 1,650 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 61%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 28%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 70% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 30% compared to 19% for all occupations

69% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 52% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

An aging and growing population is creating greater demand on the health care system.

There is high demand for this occupation as the provincial government ramps up initiatives to address persisting labour shortages across the health care sector.

Investments to increase care and capacity at long-term care homes.

Initiatives to support home and community care services, including acute care needs.

Expansions to healthcare facilities and the construction of new hospitals in the province.

The provincial government has a Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care providers.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 2,100 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 72%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 21%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 78% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 22% compared to 19% for all occupations

72% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 6% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 94% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 78% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Alberta’s growing population and a national shortage are contributing to demand for this occupation.

In 2025, Alberta increased total health spending to $28 billion, marking a 5.4% rise from the previous year.

Ongoing healthcare needs and retirements continue to support steady demand across the sector.

However, growth in new positions is expected to be scaled back, as budget constraints and staffing pressures affect hiring capacity.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Alberta:

Approximately 7,800 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 56%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 27%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 12%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 68% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 32% compared to 20% for all occupations

66% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 9% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 91% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 67% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in British Columbia:

Approximately 7,000 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 62%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 27%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 77% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 23% compared to 22% for all occupations

68% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 68% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The demand for this occupation is mainly due to population growth and aging, as well as government health priorities.

Every year, the government puts targeted measures in place to improve health care services and make them more accessible to the public. Improvements to home care and the opening of seniors’ homes are stimulating hiring in this occupational group.

Furthermore, health care facilities must gradually reduce their reliance on staff from private placement agencies, which could create other employment opportunities for members of this occupation.

To practice this profession in Quebec, you must have a licence from the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec (OIIAQ). To obtain this licence, you must have a diploma of vocational studies in health, assistance and nursing or recognized equivalency and pass the OIIAQ’s professional exam.

Here are some key facts about licensed practical nurses in Quebec:

Approximately 22,450 people work in this occupation.

Licensed practical nurses mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 60%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 23%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 10%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 82% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 18% compared to 18% for all occupations

73% of licensed practical nurses work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of licensed practical nurses are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 68% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations